This Hidden “Adults Only” Izakaya Has Legit Kyoto Dishes By A Japanese Chef

Izakaya Naniwa is a hidden Japanese restaurant at Cuppage Plaza

Image credit: Vu Long Tran

To enter Izakaya Naniwa, a Japanese restaurant in Orchard, you must comply with one rule: you must be an adult. This is because it’s compulsory to order alcohol when you dine here. This restaurant isn’t the easiest to find as it’s tucked away in the corner of Cuppage Plaza. Plus, it’s so hidden that it’s known to be one of the best-kept secrets of Japanese expats in Singapore, as seen in an entry in Tabelog, a popular Japanese food review site.

Image credit: @sexylalalovestocook

The izakaya offers traditional Obanzai dishes. In case you’re unfamiliar with this cuisine, it’s essentially traditional home-cooked food from Kyoto that mostly uses fresh in-season ingredients. This is why the dishes available at the izakaya change every day.

Chef, Mr. Okamoto makes these dishes beforehand and displays them at the counter in a colourful array of plates. If you see something you fancy, he will scoop some for you on the spot.

Image credit: @date.the.food

Each dish is heated and served in dainty little bowls, reminiscent of Japanese home-cooked food. These dishes are said to go really well with sake, which are sold in bottles.

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If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Japanese ivory shellfish whenever they are in season! Though daunting at first glance, this mollusk is known for its natural sweetness and slight chewiness. Regulars come back for this dish, so you know it is worth a try.

Image credit: @date.the.food

On top of what is offered at the counter, Izakaya Naniwa has other dishes on the menu. The menu is handwritten in Japanese, so don’t be shy and ask the chefs if you don’t understand what is written. According to some online reviews, the offerings include izakaya classics such as sashimi, tempura, yakitori, and okonomiyaki.

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The restaurant is decorated with old-timey props that are said to remind Japanese customers of home. Upon entering, you must take off your shoes and sit on the tatami floor before starting the meal with alcohol. If you prefer not to drink, you have to pay a cover charge of $25+.

Do note that the restaurant has limited seating, so it’s best to make a reservation via WhatsApp before heading down.

For more Japanese food places, read our guide to the best Japanese restaurants in Singapore. If you’re nearby, check out Gyoza no Ohsho, Singapore’s only outlet of the Japan-famous gyoza chain.

Address: 5 Koek Road, #03-13, Cuppage Plaza, Singapore 228796
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 6:30pm to 12am
Tel: 9007 1889
Website
Izakaya Naniwa is not a halal-certified eatery.

Feature image adapted from @sexylalalovestocook and @date.the.food